The data presented in this report are estimates based on information produced by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Scientific and Technical Personnel Characteristics System (STPCS) and other systems of the Foundation, other government agencies and private organizations. Information includes: (1) the U.S. science/engineering force grew by 2% during 1976-78 as contrasted with a 7% growth between 1974 and 1976; (2) the number of employed scientists and engineers grew by 4% over the 2-year period; (3) the fields of chemistry, physics, and earth science showed declines in the number of employees, ranging from 5% to 10%; (4) the fields of computer science and psychology had very high growth rates (over 20%) between 1976-78; (5) the proportion of women scientists and engineers increased; and (6) the number of minority scientists/engineers increased by 10% between 1976-78. (SA)